A prêt relais is a bridging loan - to cover the repayments of an existing loan, until such time as it is paid off, whilst taking on a new loan.

This is common with mortgages, vehicles etc. where a new property/vehicle etc. is often purchased before the existing one is sold.

"Guide du rédit : Le prêt relais
DEFINITION:
Faire coincider vente et achat est naturellement la meilleure solution. Mais la revente peut durer plus longtemps que prévu. Une solution : le crédit-relais qui permet de ne pas laisser s’échapper le nouveau logement convoité.
Deux types de crédit-relais existent:
le crédit-relais "sec", consenti pour un ou deux ans et
le crédit-relais, jumelé à un prêt long terme, plus avantageux.
La durée du prêt varie de 1 à 2 ans. Son montant représente entre 60 et 80% de la valeur du bien, la banque vous demandant alors une estimation soit d'une agence soit d'un notaire pour évaluer la qualité et la valeur du bien."
http://www.guideducredit.com/HTMcorps/Fichiersfinancement/pr...

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 5 mins (2004-06-04 10:10:38 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

\"Glossary: Bridging Loan
Updated February 2004
This is a short term loan. It is often used by purchasers of a property who need funds for a limited period of time. e.g. until they sell their existing home. Major banks and building societies can offer bridging finance, but consider all the risks before you opt for it. For example, if you effectively take on a second home loan and you fail to sell your first property, can you afford to shoulder the burden ? If you do opt for bridging finance, are the interest rate terms reasonable and what is the annual percentage rate (APR) being asked ?\"
http://www.moneyextra.com/glossary/gl00192.htm